Bolster swing-damper.



No. 818,642. PATENTED APR. 24, 1906. W. G. PRICE.

BOLSTER SWING DAMPER.

APPLICATION FILED FEB.20. 1905.

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' g N as 8x I uzul'oz Q Vihwoow O No. 818.642. PATBNTED APR. 24, 1906,

W. G. PRICE BOLSTER SWING DAMPER.

APPLICATION FILED FEB-20.1905.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

BOLSTER SWING-DAMPER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented April 24, 1906.

Application filed February 20, 1905. Serial No. 246.555.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WVILLIAM G. PRICE, a citizen of the United States,residing at Pittsburg, in the county of Allegheny and State of 5Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inBolster Swing- Dampers ;'and I do hereby declare the follow- Q ing to bea full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as willenable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and usethe same.

This invention relates to improvements in controlling means for bolstersof car-trucks, and particularly to means for frictionally resistingmovement of such bolsters and means for varying such friction.

One object in View is the obviation of the longitudinal swing of abolster within a truck while leaving the bolster free to have all thenecessary movement for absorbing shocks received during transit.

A further object is the provision of means for resisting the movement ofa bolster in a ratio proportionate to the weight sustained by thebolster.

With these and many other objects in view the invention comprisescertain novel constructions, combinations, and arrangements of parts, aswill. be hereinafter fully described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents a transverse verticalsection through a portion of the truck, illustratin an embo iment of thepresent invention. ig. 2 represents a transverse vertical section takenon the plane indicated by line 2 2, Fig. 1. Fig. 3 represents a top planview of a fragment of a pair of transoms and bolster provided with amodified embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 represents atransverse vertical central section through the embodiment of a furthermodification. Fi 5 represents a similar view of a still furt er Thepresent invention relates to the class of structures disclosed in myformer application, Serial No. 232,504, filed by me on the 12th day ofNovember, 1904, and has the same general object in view, with theaddition that the resent structures are designed for varying t efriction upon the bolster, as will hereinafter fully appear. I

In the application above referred to I have disclosed a bolster. mountedto swing longitudinally between a air of transoms and spring-armsfrictionaly engaging the said bolster for resisting the longitudinalmovement thereof and, as will be seen by reference i to theaccompanyindrawings, I employ in i the present improved structure the same generalconception with certain additions involving a longitudinally movablymounted bolster 25, arranged between the transoms 26 l 26, said bolsterbeing supported by the usual elliptic springs 27 27, carried by thepivotallymounted U-shaped hangers 28 28. The hangers 28 may be connectedby the ordinary i cross-bar 29, so as to swing together, the bolster 25being thus left free to swing transversely of the truck carrying thesame. Arranged transversely of and beneath the bolster 25 is asupporting-plate 29, which has its ends upturned, as at 30, each of saidends being formed with a series of apertures 31 31, any one of which isadapted to receive a transom 26. The plate 29 is thus adapted to berigidly secured to the transoms 26 and may be adjusted toward or awayfrom the same by removal of the bolts 32 and replacing the same in ahigher or lower aperture 31, as desired. A spring 33 is carried by theplate 29 and preferably secured thereto by any suitable bolt 34, saidspring 33 extending transversely of the plate 29 and longitudinally ofthe bolster 25, the spr1ng 33 being formed with spring-arms extending mopposite directionsfrom the bolt 34,- the ends of the spring-arms, beingflattened, as at 35 35, and engaging the flattened under surface of thebolster 25 for frictionally resisting longitudinal movement of thebolster, the frictional contact of the said spring-arms against thebolster bein designed to be increased or decreased by a justment of theplate 29 by means of the apertures 31 and bolts 32.

In assembling a truck embodying the features of the present invention itis obvious that the spring 33 may be positioned as 1llustrated and thebolster 25 then placed upon the same, so that the'spring 33 will bedepressed by said bolster to a given degree relative to the weight ofthe bolster and the resistance of the springs 27 and spring 33. hus itwill be apparent that as a car provided with a truck embodying thefeatures of the present invention becomes heavily loaded the bolster 25will sink as the springs 27 glve way under the increased weight, andsuch lowering of the bolster 25 wlll of course exand the arms of spring33 and increase the friction of the flat portion 35, so that the bolt32, extending through the corresponding IOC frictional resistance of thespring 33 to the 4 frictional resistance of spring 33 to such movementwill increase proportionally, due to the depression of said spring,whereby the damping efiect of said spring 33 is pro ortionate totheforce of the thrust of the olster.

It is to be noted that if from any cause the resistance of the sprin 33is insuificient when the bolts 32 are passe through the apertures 31 ofthe upturned ends of the plate 29 such resistance ma readily beincreased by removing said passing the bolts 32 through a higher set ofa ertures 31. Thus the frictional resistance 0 the spring 35 will notonly be varied relative to the pressure upon the bolster'25, but may bealtered and adjusted as required by the adjustment of the bolts' 32.

As illustrating further embodiments of the present invention I haveshown in Figs. 3,-

4, and 5 several constructions which demonstrate various methods offrictionally resisting the longitudinal thrust of the bolster, meansbein provided for varying such resistance. or an understanding of suchembodiment of the invention reference is had to the drawings, and firstwith respect particularly to Fig. 3, in which 1 indicates a bolsterarranged between transoms 2 2 and engaged by arms 3 3, each of said arms3 being pivoted, as at 4, to its respective transoms 2 and beingprovided with a relatively large flat face engaging the respective sideof the bolster 1. Bolts 5 5 are threaded through the transoms 2, eachbolt being arranged opposite the flat face of the respective arm 3andeach of said bolts carrying at its inner end a cup 6, inclosing theouter end of a coil-spring 7, the inner end of each of said springsengaging the flat face of the respectlve arm 3. A suitable jam-nut 8 isthreaded onto each of the bolts 5 for locking the same in its givenposition, said nut being desi ned to be loosened and the bolt5thre'adeinwardly or outwardly for increasing or decreasing the tension of thespring 7 and correspondingly increasing or decreasing the frictionalengagement of the .arm 3. VlTh'cn the bolts 5 have been given thedesired adjustment, the nuts 8' are threaded home against the sides ofthe transoms 2 or against a bushing interposed between the respectiveolts, raising said plate, andlongitudinally nut and the respective sideof the transom for binding the threads of the respective bolt andpreventing movement of such bolt. In operation when from any unevennessin the track or other cause the bolster 1 is thrown to one side thefrictional contact of the arms 3, while resisting such movement, willpermit a sufficient amount for taking up the vibration and upon thereturn stroke of the bol-' ster the further resistance of the arms 3will bring the bolster to a standstill. It is to be observed that thefrictional engagement of the arms 3 is such as to exert an evenunchanging resistance to the movement of the bolster, and employment ofsaid arms has the further advantage over structures heretofore known inthe art of damping the movement of the bolsterwithout resiliency,tending to prolong the longitudinal thrusts of the bolster, thisadvantage being also present in the structure seen in Figs. 1 and 2.

The modification seen in Fig. 4 embodies the conception disclosed inFig. 3 and involves a bolster 9, arranged to swing between transoms 1010. Mounted within the bolster 9 is a turnbuckle 11, designed to belengthened or shortened by having one of its mem bers threaded into theother. Each of the members is provided at its outer end with a cup 12,inclosing the inner end of a coil-spring 5 13. Each of the springs 13extends through the respective side of the bolster 9 and car-. ries atits outer end a cup or slide 14, slidingly contactin with the respectivetransom 10.

In this em odiment'of the invention it is only necessary to lengthen orshorten theturnbuckle 11 for increasing or'decreasing the tension of thesprings 13, whereby the friction of the slides 14 against the transoms10 may be increased or decreased. The operation of 10 5 .Each ofthetransoms 16 is apertured, as at 17, and carries a bracket 18. A bolt119is threaded through each bracket 18 and carries at its inner end acup 20, each of the cups 20 inclosing the outer end of a coiled spring21, each of said springs 21extending through therespective apertures 17and carrying at I2 its inner end a cap or slide 22, frictionally'contacting with the side -of the bolster 15. A jam-nut 23 is carried byeach" of the bolts 19 for bein threaded into contact withither'espective racket-18 for locking the respective 1 2 5 bolt in an 'venadjusted 'osition, each of said bolts emgdesigned to 'e adjustedlongitudmally by bein threaded inwardly or outwardly through'tImrespective bracket.

In eachof the embcdimentsof the inven- 13 tion' as disclosed in Figs. 3,4, and 5 the friction-creating devices are adjustably mounted so thatthe same may be withdrawn for facilitating the introduction of thebolster to its normal position between the transoms, and after suchpositioning of the bolster the said friction devices may be adjusted toa position for frictionally resisting movement of the bolster. Thestructure seen in Figs. 1 and 2 of course is capable of permitting thebolster to assume its normal position readily, and after the bolster hasassumed such position, if it is found that greater friction is desiredthe supporting-plate for the spring may be adjusted for givm therequired friction. Therefore in each of t e embodiments herein disclosedthe friction device is susceptible of admitting the bolster to itsnormal position and is designed then to be adjusted to the requiredcondition for applying such resistance to the movement of the bolster asmay afford the best results.

In each of the embodiments of the present invention is seen the enericconception of controlling the longitu 'nal swing of abolster by frictionand of varyin the friction for governing the movement 0 the bolster tothe greatest advantage.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a bolster-controllin apparatus, the combination with a movaby-mounted bolster, of a spring frictionally resistin movement of thesame, and a support or said sprin adjustable with respect to thebolster.

2. In a bolster-controllin apparatus, the combination with a movaby-mounted bolster, means for frictionally resisting movement of thebolster in varyin de ees relative to the weight sustained y t e bolsterand means for adjusting said friction means.

3. In a bolster-controllin apparatus, the combination with a movaby-mounted bolster, of a spring arranged beneath said bolster and adaptedto have its ends engage the bolster for frictionally resisting movementof the bolster, and vertically-adjustable means supporting said spring.

4. In a bolster-controllin apparatus, the combination with a movaby-mounted bolster, of a spring bent intermediate its length and havingits ends resting against the bolster for frictionally resisting movementtherei of, and a support en aging said spring intermediate the length tereof.

5. In a bolstercontrollin apparatus, the combination with amovably-mounted bolster, of a spring designed to frictionally engagesaid bolster and mounted adjustably with respect thereto.

6. In a bolster-controllin apparatus, the combination with a movaby-mounted bolster, of an adjustable spring positioned for frictionallyresistin movement of said bolster and for having its frictional contactwith the bolster varied relative to the weight sustained by the bolster.

7. In a bolster-controllin apparatus, the combination with a movabI-mounted bolster, of,a spring frictionally resisting movement thereofpositioned for having its frictional contact varied relative to thevertical movement of the bolster and means adjustably sustaining saidspring in position.

8. In a bolster-controlling a paratus, the combination with a bolster,of a spring designed to frictionally engage the same for resistingmovement thereof, and means for supporting said spring at various pointsof adustment toward and away from said bolster.

. 9. In a bolster-controlling apparatus, the combination of amovably-mounted bolster, and adjustable means en aging the under surfaceof said bolster for Irictionally resisting movement thereof.

10. In a bolster-controlling apparatus, the combination with amovably-mounted bolster, of adjustable means fixedly sustained withrespect to said bolster beneath the same and frictionally engaging theunder surface of said bolster for resisting movement thereof.

11. In a bolster-controlling apparatus, the combination with amovably-mounted bolster, and transoms fixed with respect thereto, of aplate secured to said transoms, and a sprin carried by said platearranged beneath said olster for frictionallyresisting movement thereof.4

12. In a bolster-controlling apparatus, the combination with amovably-mounted bolster, of an adjustable spring normally fixed againstmovement with res ect to said bolster in position for having itsdeflection vabolster.

13. In a bolster-controlling apparatus, the combination with amovably-mounted bolster, of a sprin bent intermediate its length inposition wit its ends resting against the bolster for frictionallyresisting movement thereof, and an adjustable support for said springenga ried relative to the vertical movement of the 14. In abolster-controllingapparatus, the combination with a movably-mountedbolster, of a spring bent intermediate its length and having its endsresting against the bolster for'frictionally resisting movementthereging the springat the point of the -bend therein.

of, and supporting means forsaid spring, ad

justably mounted and adapted to be adjusted transversely of the bolster.

15. In a bolster-controllingapparatus, the combination with arigidly-mounted support,

of a bolster movable with respect to said suport, and a spring bentintermediate its Iength and having its ends frictionally engaging saidbolster and its intermediate bent portion engaged by said support.

16. In a bolster-controlling apparatus, the combination with amovably-mounted bol- &

. said bolster, and means carried by said late for frictionallyresisting movement o the the bolster.

combination with a movably-mounted. bolster, means for frictionallyresisting movement of the bolster, means for adjusting said frictionalmeans toward and away from the bolster for varying the operation of thefrict1on means.

17. Inan apparatus for controlling a bolster, the comblnation with amovably-mountedbolster, of a transom at the side thereof, a springcarried by said transom and frictionally resisting movement of saidbolster, and means for facilitating adjustment of the spring for varyingthe tension of said spring.

18. In an apparatus for controlling a bolster, the combination with amovably-mounted bolster, of a transom at the side thereof, and a springcarried by said transom and en gaging said bolster for frictionallyresisting movement thereof, said spring being positioned for having itstension varied in a ratio proportionate to the vertical movement of 19.In a'bolsterecontrolling apparatus, the combination with a movablymounted bo1 ster,'of an arm frictionally contacting therewith, and meansfor varying the friction of said arm.

20. In a bolster-controlling apparatus, the combination with amovably-mounted b01- ster, of an arm frictionally contacting therewith,and means for increasing the friction thereof. 11

21. In a bolster-controlling apparatus, the combination with amovably-mounted bolster, of a spring'fixed with respect to said bolsterbeneath the same and frictionally engaging the bolster for resistingmovement thereof.

22. Ina bolster-controlling apparatus, the

ster, of a spring fixed with respect to the bolster and en aging theunder surface thereof for frictiona ly resisting movement of thebolster. 23. In a'bolster-controllin ap aratus, the combination with" alongitu 'nal iy movably mounted bolster and transoms fixed with respectthereto, of a plate secured to said transoms, and means carried by saidarranged beneath said bolster for frictionall resisting the longitudinalmovement thereo 24. In a bolster-controllin ap aratus, the combinationwith a longitu 'naiiy .movably mounted bolster and transoms fixed with,respect thereto, of a plate carried by said transoms arrangedtransversely with respect to bolster.

.25. In abolster-controlling apparatus, the

combination with a movably-mounted bolcombination with a movab ster anda support spaced therefrom, of a late and ster and transoms fiat-ed withrespect thereto, 1 1

spect to said bolster for varying said resistance.

27. In a bolster-controlling ap aratus, the combination with alongitudina ly-movable bolster, of adjustable means for frictionallydamping the longitudinal movement of the bolster, the friction of saiddamping means .varylngin a'ratio proportionate to the weight sustained bthe bolster.

28. In a olster-controlling apparatus, the combination with amovably-mounted bolster and aspring arranged lon itudinally -ofthebolster and engaging the und er face thereofand a support arrangedtransversely of the bolster'bene'ath the same carrying said spring.

29. In a bolstercontrolling apparatus, the

combination with a swinging bolster, of a spring disposed for assistingin sustaining the weight of the bolster and arranged to frictionallyresist the longitudinal or swinging movement of the bolster. 30. In abolster-controlling apparatus, the combination with a movably-mountedbol- -ster,of a spring having-flat surfaces directly engaging the olsterand arranged to frictiona 1y damp the movement thereofina ratioproportionate to the rise and fall of the bolster. 1

31. In a bolster-controllin apparatus, the

l y-mounted bolspring integposed between the bolster and support an.f'rictionally resisting longitudi nal orswinging movement of thebolster, the Wear due to friction being taken up directly bythe spring.

32. In a bolster-controlling apparatus, the

combination with amovably-mounted bolster, of a sprin positioned-beneaththe same and an adjusta le supportextending beneath said bolster andsustaining said SPIlIlgiIl position for frictionally resisting movementof the bolster.

In testimony FRED SCHUTTE, WALTER BURKE.

wiereof I aflix my signature 1n presence of two Witnesses.

IIS

